City clears way for new buildings

Hotel proposal

The city released a hold on land in the Downtown Markham development this week to allow the builder to apply for a building permit in time to stay with a development fees payment plan already worked out with the region.
The move was made at a special council meeting Thursday.
The Ruland Properties area, at the northeast corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Birchmount Road, a little more than a hectare in size, is part of Remington Group’s second phase for the Downtown Markham project.
The item was to be part of next week’s council agenda on Dec. 18. However the region’s contract with Remington expires Dec. 17.
“The developer is anxious to get started,” city’s development services commissioner Jim Baird said. “But there is a one-day timing issue.”
The developer submitted a site plan in 2011, which includes two buildings connected by greenspace, terraces and two storeys of retail, restaurants and spas.
On top of the retail space, plans call for a five-star hotel followed by condominium units above.
The plan also calls for underground parking and a parking structure on site, as well as green roofs, rooftop gardens and patios.
One building will be 14 storeys, containing about 180 hotel units and 110 residential units. The other will be nine storeys, containing 114 residential units.
However some at the meeting suggested Remington, one of the parties proposing a $325-million NHL size arena for land across the street from the site, was getting special treatment.
“How much money is this saving Remington?” Markham Village City Ratepayers Association member Karen Rea said. “Remington should be treated like any other developer.”
Ms Rea questioned the validity of the meeting, citing the city’s procedural bylaws call for 48 hours notice of a special meeting.
The city’s acting clerk, Martha Pettit, said there were notifications and a posting on the city’s website within the 48-hour limit.
Mayor Frank Scarpitti said this was part of a regular process and it happens across the region.
“The developer is not being treated specially,” he said.
He noted the project site plan was endorsed by council and the planning department. The city is still working out the site plan agreement details and once approved, a full building permit can be issued.

Amanda Persico is a reporter with the Markham Economist & Sun
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apersico@yrmg.com
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